"Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? a Rock'N'Roll Memoir by Steven Tyler with David Dalton

Steven Tyler is an All American Rock Legend and success story in every sense of the word. For the first time we have a real account of Aerosmith's front mans rise and fall from grace and rise again. Of course there are other books on Tyler and the band but this one is definitely different and unique on every level. His controversial stint on one of America's top rated shows as a judge this year, American Idol was met with skepticism and criticism. Even Tyler himself had doubts at the beginning, never mind the bands reaction. To say Joe Perry and boys were not happy with Steven's decision would be the understatement of the year. Even now as I write this they are still fighting about who knows what. But hey, that's rock and roll for ya.



"Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?" is a wonderful, funny, touching and hard look at the rock and roll lifestyle lived on a scale from one to ten. Tyler ranks around fourteen. This is a no holes barred expose on not only his childhood, rise with Aerosmith, drugs, sex, the whole kitchen sink. There isn't one subject in his colorful life he doesn't discuss with amazing candor and humor. But make no mistake; Tyler is also not apologetic for his behavior. So if you're looking for a cop out you won't find one here. Sure there is some finger pointing but Steven is smart enough to point that high powered look at himself. Maybe he's gotten that from his stints in rehab, therapy, or possibly it just came with wisdom and age. Tyler is still kicking it in all cylinders at the tender age of 64. Younger rock performers don't even that that stamina now never mind once they hit 30. I have always been a fan of Steven and Aerosmith. Being a kid of the 70's, many of their songs were the anthems I was gleefully waiting to hear on the radio. Their rock show is one in a million and a show that just can't be missed. The boys in the band are good, very very good.



What I took more than anything from this book besides Tyler's humor is his unwavering belief in music and blind ambition. He's got some great one liner's here and a way of looking at life that is uniquely his own. He's a great storyteller especially when weaving the words about himself and his life. His LSD (lead singer disorder) accounts made me laugh at loud. Though I have to admit I wouldn't want to be on the other side of that disease once it hits and takes effect. Tyler isn't here to glamorize his legendary drug and alcohol problems. Just the opposite. You're going to get the good, bad and ugly Steven Tyler style. Right from the get go he had my attention and respect. I mean how can you discount this:


'ËœLife is short. Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that makes you smile. We're not quantified; there's no chart of desire. When the roaring flames of your heart have burned down to embers, may you find that you have married your best friend. Hunch, conjecture, instinct -- a blind allegiance to anything can get you killed, and always remember -- sing as though no one can hear you; live as though heaven is here on Earth. Here I want to say something deep and meaningless, like "To thine own self be true," but in truth, the first thing we have to do is KILL ALL THE LAWYERS."


I couldn't top that if I had to. Bravo Steven Tyler '" for your truth, your music, your humor, your talent.

As a short footnote, Tyler's book has gone to number 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers List. Not bad for a rocker, American Idol judge, American Rock Legend who only a few years ago was written off the rock landscape and labeled 'a has been.' Take no prisoners Steven. Keep on rocking brother.